5 Best Stovetop Kettles of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Make your teatime (or coffee break) simple and hassle-free with a top-rated stovetop kettle.
Testing and photo by Jill Novatt
Our Top Stovetop Kettle Picks
- Best Overall: OXO Brew Classic Tea Kettle
- Best Value: Cuisinart Aura Tea Kettle
- Fastest Boiling Kettle: Fellow Clyde Kettle
- Best Gooseneck: Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Kettle
Tested by Beth Lipton and Jill Novatt for Food Network Kitchen
Stovetop kettles may feel like a kitchen product of the past thanks to electric kettles, but they still have their purpose — like providing a sense of calm when making tea at the end of a long day. Stovetop kettles come in a range of sizes and materials and some are better conductors of heat than others, meaning they don’t all come to a boil at the same rate. We tested more than 10 top-rated stovetop kettles on the market to find the best ones. We took into consideration their size, shape and weight, and how quickly they boiled water, plus how easy they were to clean. Our best stovetop kettle picks boil water in a pinch, are easy to maneuver, have handles that don’t get too hot and look good on your stovetop. Read on for our top picks.
Testing and photo by Jill Novatt
How We Tested
We tested a variety of kettles at several price points, made from different materials and of varying styles. We evaluated the size and weight of the kettles, how long they took to boil water, how comfortable each one was to pour, their aesthetic, how easy they were to clean, and more.
We boiled 3 cups of room-temperature water in each one, noting how long it took, what the whistle sounded like (if there was one), and whether the handles became hot. We poured water from each one to see if it poured easily, if we felt we had any control over the flow, whether the spout dripped, and whether or not it was possible to completely empty the kettle.
We also evaluated whether it was easy to clean the kettles, if they came with instructions for cleaning before first use, whether any parts were dishwasher safe, and any other cleaning information. We cleaned each one and noted how easy the process was.
For an all-around straightforward, well made kettle, it’s hard to beat this OXO model. Both the handle and the spout cap are silicone, so the kettle feels great in your hand and, more importantly, is easy to use once the water comes to a boil. The handle stays cool enough to touch without an oven mitt, is comfortable to pour, and folds down to make the kettle easy to store. At 2.6 pounds, this kettle has more heft than some other models we tested, but the weight didn’t make it hard to pour, and the water came to a boil very quickly. Smart spout design makes for easy, drip-proof pouring. Once boiling, the kettle alerts you with a whistle that’s clear but not shrill or piercing. Our one small issue is that there are a lot of rivets in the design, which could make cleaning a challenge. But overall, this is a very thoughtfully designed and easy to use kettle.
There’s a lot to like about the stainless steel Cuisinart Aura Tea Kettle. The budget-friendly price tag, of course–and it also features a release button for the spout cap on the handle. One simple push of the button and the spout cap opens without having to touch a potentially hot cap or get in the way of any escaping steam. The whole handle also stays cool enough to use without a potholder once the water comes to a boil. In addition to its ease of use, this kettle is good-looking, so you won’t mind keeping it out on your stove. When we tested, the water came to a boil quickly and the whistle was fairly loud—great if you like a strong alert, but also something to note if loud noises are not your thing. One nitpick: Though the release button on the handle is a great feature, it does require that the handle is fixed, which makes this kettle a bit more difficult to fill and clean thoroughly.
The sleek, modern design of this kettle is the first thing we noticed, but definitely not the only feature it has going for it. The water came to a boil far faster in this model than in others we tested–plus, honorable mention to the whistle, which sounds like a lovely train whistle (distant/faint at first, then closer/louder). The kettle feels light at under 2 pounds, but definitely not flimsy, and the handle is covered with silicone, so it’s warm but not hot when the water boils, no oven mitt needed. The spout has a metal marble in it that closes the spout when you’re not pouring; it works well in preventing drips, but when you pour, the marble moves out of the way, which felt slightly odd and made a sort of light clanking sound. It was jarring at first, but nothing you wouldn’t get used to easily enough. Heads up: This kettle is not compatible with induction stoves.
Pour over enthusiasts, this attractive stainless steel kettle is for you. The gooseneck design makes the water flow more slowly and evenly, so you can saturate your coffee grounds just so for the best extraction. The ergonomic handle is designed to even out the weight so it’s more comfortable to pour. And the thermometer has a section color coded in red to mark the optimal brew temperature for pour over (i.e., 195ºF to 205ºF). This gooseneck takes all the guesswork out of making great pour-over coffee, and it’s a beautiful addition to your stovetop. Some minor nitpicks: The handle does get hot, so be sure to use a towel or oven mitt when pouring. Also, though the temperature is clearly marked on the thermometer, there’s no whistle or other indicator to let you know when the water reaches temperature, so you have to keep an eye on it. This kettle is not compatible with induction stoves.
What to Consider Before Buying a Stovetop Kettle
There are several factors to think about when you’re in the market for a new kettle.
Capacity: Most stovetop kettles range between 1 and 3 quarts (that is, between 4 and 12 8-ounce cups). If you mostly boil a few cups of water at a time, you’ll be fine with a smaller one, with a 1- to 2-quart capacity. But if you boil greater amounts regularly, choose a larger one.
Materials: Stovetop kettles are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, enameled cast iron, ceramic, glass and copper. Sometimes the handles may be covered or partially covered in silicone to make them safer to grab when the kettle is hot. The material determines the kettle’s look, the heat conduction, and its weight.
Design: Often the kettle stays out on the stove even when it’s not in use, so it’s important to make sure you like how it looks. Plus, design factors in for your use of the kettle; for example, how wide the lid is and how high the handle reaches determine how easy (or not) the kettle is to clean. The size and width of the spout affects how much control you have when pouring.
Can You Use a Stovetop Kettle on All Cooktops?
It depends on the material(s) your kettle is made of and the type of cooktop you have. Many materials are safe to use on gas or electric stoves; for induction, it’s important to make sure the kettle is a good heat conductor, so it can absorb the energy from the cooktop efficiently. Magnetized stainless steel and enameled cast iron are good choices for induction, while ceramic isn’t. Check the manufacturer’s web site or look at the box to make sure the model you’re interested in is compatible with your cooktop.
Is It OK to Heat Milk in a Stovetop Kettle?
Nearly all of the kettles we tested specifically warned in their instruction manuals that kettles are for heating water only. Milk can scorch easily when heated, which can burn or stain your kettle. Plus, milk is more likely to bubble over and spill out of the kettle than water. Once you heat anything but water in your kettle, the warranty is likely voided. It’s best to stick to water in your kettle; heat milk in a saucepan.
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